WIW: Empty Nest

Debora

Hi friends, I'm popping in to say hi! I haven't been around much lately and am adjusting to my newly empty nest. My son will be gone all summer and then he heads off to college. I had no idea the house would be soooo quiet! What an adjustment after having kids at home for the past 27 1/2 years.

So.... I am taking some fashion inspiration from these fellow (feathered) empty nesters! The orange tote is a new addition for summer. Can you tell I suddenly have lots more time on my hands?

Comments are welcome! Any other empty nesters, please feel free to chime in with your experiences and advice.

Thanks!

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13 years ago

What I Wore

30 replies

Latest reply was from TraceyLiz65

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

This is so fun and sweet, I love the cartoons and the way you were inspired by the pictures. Great outfits and color combinations. I like the way you have gotten so much mileage from that Joie top, I ended up returning mine, my stylist niece thought it was too long on me.

I never had any kids but, I really miss my pets when I am gone for a few days. More of an empty dog bed syndrome. Does that count?

13 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Is that the Joie silk blouse? If so, I have the same one. I also have a halogen seemed skirt in yellow.

My son is turning 24 in October and graduated from University in December. He and a few friends have leased a house for mid-June so he will be gone in less than three weeks. It has just been the two of us for most of his life. I feel teary writing that down.

I love the outfit and plan to use it for inspiration. Great use of color and your inspiration pics are too cute.

13 years ago

marija

Active Member

I can't imagine an empty nest right now... but I know it will be difficult when the time comes. You, my dear, have a lovely figure which is perfectly suited to these outfits. I think your choice of colour is fresh and fun!

13 years ago

Anonymous

Gorgeous! Your inspiration pictures are adorable. You will get used to the quiet in time. Then it's a shock (but fun) when they return.

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

You're inspirations are at once adorable and heartwrenching! The results are just hands-down fab. Is the bag in #1 the Steve Madden tote that comes in all the candy colors?

13 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I love your inspiration pics Debora ! Your outfits are colour and chic and you look gorgeous. I'll be going through the empty nest thing in a few years and I'm not looking forward to it, no matter how normal it is!

13 years ago

Debora

Veteran

Denise, empty-dog-bed syndrome definitely counts! Our pets are our family, too. I am getting a lot of mileage out of my Joie top! I'm so happy Angie encouraged me to get it last year. I wish yours had worked out for you.

Dianthus, yes it's the Joie blouse from last year's NAS. I love it and have paired it several times with the yellow skirt. I would love to see your two pieces styled together! Thanks for your words of support and best wishes to both you and your son this summer.

Marija, I don't think we've met yet. Welcome to the forum and thank you so much for your kind words! What a pretty name you have!

Joy, thanks for reminding me of the fun reunions to come! My son was given permission to finish up school three weeks early so he could attend Spring Training. I am so eagerly awaiting having him home, even for such a short time, for his graduation in two weeks. Kindrex is coming too, and I can't wait to have a houseful!

Rae, thank you so much! The bag is actually an inexpensive tote that I picked up at the Hallmark store, of all places! I wasn't sure if I would tire of the color orange by the end of the season and didn't want to spend a lot of $$ on it. I'm attaching a close-up for you. The brand is Mellow World.

Shannon, thank you! I will hold your hand when it is your turn!

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13 years ago

morethanbeige

Veteran

Love the fun pics and great color combinations. Beautiful blouse in #1. I really like it with the white. YLF!

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Queen Tub Balancer! I have missed you so much!!

You look sensational despite your sad heart. (((HUGS))). I cannot stand to be separted from my sweetie or doggies - so I hear you. You need to spend more time in NYC with DD

13 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

You look so great in your outfits and you pose so elegantly on your bathtub! I am far from an empty nest but can already imagine what a shock that will be. But also an opportunity - I hope!

13 years ago

sarah

Veteran

I was just THINKING about you and your bathroom, and wondering when we'd get to see the two of you again! I LOVE these outfits - that tote is TDF (I can't believe you got it at the Hallmark Store). I'm sure it must feel very strange to be on your own. I dread that day. Hang in there, and try to enjoy your newfound freedom!

13 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

This is just spectacular! I always love the tub-balancing, and the outfits and the inspiration pics are just fantastic!! Hugs to you as you get used to your empty nest!!!

13 years ago

nancylee

Veteran

Love your outfits...and, as a fellow empty-nester, I feel your pain. We've been empty-nesters for 1-2 years now, and are just now starting to transition from the "sniff sniff...it's so quiet" phase to the champagne-drinking "hey, this is sorta nice" phase. Sending you a hug.

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Debora, we've missed you! I love your bathtub tricks! And what beautiful outfits. I love these colours and WOW, just look at that great bag!

Big hugs on the empty nest.

13 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Fabulous, bright springy outfits, Debora! I'm sending big hugs your way!

That is so cool your son is doing Drum and Bugle Corps. Which corps is he playing with (if you don't mind my asking)? I was in marching band in high school and we had the opportunity to host the Santa Clara Vanguard in our band room overnight, then got to see three corps perform at the local college the next day. VERY cool show! I had a friend who played with the Cascades his senior year, and he still remembers it very fondly. What a great opportunity for your son! I hope you guys get the chance to attend one of the shows. Such amazing talent in all the corps.

13 years ago

Sara L.

Veteran

I love your outfit and inspiration photos! Such cute cartoons and what a clever idea to use for an inspiration.

13 years ago

kindrex

Active Member

Mom,
I think visiting me in NYC would be the perfect distraction.
You look lovely, as always.
xoxo

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

And there you go beautiful, Debs. Kindrex has spoken with invitation in hand

Hi, Kindrex!!! xoxo

13 years ago

fashionista

Veteran

So gud to hear about your son. Wish him luck from me.
And hugs to you for feeling lonely. We are here to support you so don't feel alone.
And yes you can convert a simple picture in those awesome outfits. You are a genius. Loved your color combos and you have a nice hourglass figure.

13 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Debora, what lovely outfits and cute inspiration photos! I love the aqua and orange and blue and yellow combinations. So sad about your empty nest--hugs! I'm a LONG way off from that still (we sometimes yearn for a few minutes to ourselves!) but I know one day I will be facing the same exact situation.

I remember when my dad took me to college (I'm the oldest)--I was doing the orientation activities with the other students and he kept hanging around the dorm with me. I was so embarrassed and kept telling him "Dad! Don't hang around me--go do the parent activities with all the other parents!" Then on the last day we said goodbye and he left my room and started walking down the hall. I forgot to tell him something and said, "Dad?" and he turned around and had tears in his eyes. Then at that moment I realized how much it was affecting him and I was touched. (I wish he was around to see my little ones grow up...sadly he passed away from cancer 15 yrs ago). All that is to say, I think it's always harder on the parents to see their little ones grow up. My DD is just starting K and I know I am already feeling like she's growing so fast--I'm sure I'll be bawling when she goes off to college.

But just remember it's just a new chapter beginning and another exciting phase in your life! Celebrate with your DH that you've done such a great job raising your lovely and smart children! Big hugs to you!

13 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

Adorable inspiration pics and love the outfits. They look cheery even though you are feeling a bit well, empty. So hard to let them go I imagine. Some days I'd like to ship mine off, but I realize I only have them for a little bit so I try to keep it in perspective. Hugs to you Deb!

13 years ago

Debora

Veteran

Awww, thank you all so much for your support! I wanted to stay up last night to respond but I couldn't keep my eyes open.

Angie, I like your suggestion and thanks for the big hug! I will probably be doing a lot more tub balancing now that my photographer is on the road. One of these days I will get around to purchasing that full-length mirror, I promise!

Morethanbeige, Shevia, Sarah, MaryK, Suz, Sara L., fashionista,and jjsloane - I am so touched by your comments. Thank you so much!

Kindrex - well hello, darling daughter! It was equally as hard for me when you went off to college. I will most definitely take you up on your offer. Expect to see a lot of me! xoxo

Nancylee - I appreciate your perspective and am looking forward to the "hey, this is kind of nice" phase! My hubby and I are looking forward to having more time together.

Ana - what instrument did you play? I love that you are familiar with Drum Corps! He will be marching with one of the midwestern corps. We are planning on doing some traveling this summer and catching three of the shows.

goldenpig - your story touched me and brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing it with me. It's also a reminder that it's not easy for the dads, either.

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Hugs, back! You are the only tub balancer in the world who does not cause me distress - that's why you are Queen

Hope that you and Kindrex reunite asap.xoxo

13 years ago

Debora

Veteran

*laughing out loud*

Thanks, Angie! Suddenly, I am feeling quite royal!

13 years ago

Active Member

LMAO What an inspiration! Hey, any colors put together by people who know what they're doing can be borrowed and it's smart to think outside of the box.

You always look great, Debora! Now I know the difference between Debora and Deborah.

12 years ago

Golden

Veteran

Your outfits are so fantastic!!! I love your color combinations. I do the same by jumping up on the tub for a full mirror view.

12 years ago

April

Veteran

Hi, Debora and Kindrex! <waving madly>

Debora, I will be an empty-nester in a year and a half, and it already has the power to make me teary (quickly followed by happiness since it will mean that DH and I finally get to live in the same state after being long-distance for over ten years.)

I agree that visiting Kindrex (and April) in NYC would be an excellent distraction. Tea and shopping, anyone?

12 years ago

karymk

Veteran

My twenty year old son is out of the nest at college. The other kids are growing up and need me less, leaving me with more time too. I love it, but now I am pursuing some new interests to fill my time. I have a silly little "bucket list" -- have you started one?

12 years ago

Debora

Veteran

Oh my gosh, I'm reading this thread at 1:00 am from a hotel room on my iPhone. I've definitely been on the go and enjoying my empty nest! Thank you for the renewed interest in this thread. It has been almost two years since I first wrote this, and I still get teary reading through the comments. Thanks Em, Golden, April and karymk for chiming in. Tea and shopping in NYC sounds like a perfect distraction, April. We'll make it happen!

12 years ago

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